Tile Slip Ratings Explained in Detail

R Rating Scale (Ramp Test)

The R rating scale ranges from R9 to R13, with higher numbers indicating greater slip resistance. Here's a general guide:

• R9: Low slip resistance - suitable for dry indoor areas.

• R10: Moderate slip resistance – suitable for areas with occasional wetness.

• R11: Good slip resistance – suitable for frequently wet areas.

• R12: High slip resistance – suitable for areas with regular water exposure.

• R13: Very high slip resistance – suitable for extreme conditions (e.g., industrial kitchens).

Note: Because the ramp test uses motor oil as the contaminant, R ratings may not accurately reflect performance in environments like bathrooms or pool surrounds, where water is the primary contaminant. For these settings, P ratings from the pendulum test are more appropriate.

Test overview

1. Pendulum Apparatus: A swinging arm with a rubber slider simulates a heel strike on the tile surface.

2. Quality Control Checks:Pendulums undergo quality control checks before each test to ensure accuracy.

3. Surface Preparation: While tiles can be cleaned, there is no enforceable requirement to do so before testing.

4. Pendulum Swing & Measurement: After the pendulum foot is released, it swings freely, and the rubber slider makes contact with the test surface. As the slider travels across the surface, the pendulum arm also drags a pointer along its frame. Once the slider leaves the surface and the swing continues, gravity slows the pendulum until it comes to rest. The pointer, however, remains fixed at the point of maximum displacement, aligned with a numerical reading on the pendulum scale. This value, known as the British Pendulum Number (BPN), provides a direct measure of the slip resistance of the tile or flooring surface.

5. Slip Rating Determination: Under Appendix A of AS 4586, five BPN values are recorded and averaged to produce an SRV. This SRV is then used to assign a P rating: